How the Kratt brothers use animation to teach children about complex animal biology
In short: Wild Kratts blends live-action zoology with animated adventure to explain animal biology. Created by brothers Chris and Martin Kratt, the show uses fictional creature power suits to help children visualize natural abilities. By pitting the team against villains representing environmental threats, it turns ecology lessons into high-stakes rescue missions.
Since its 2011 debut, Wild Kratts has become the longest-running program produced by the Kratt Brothers. The series follows a consistent format: a live-action cold open where the brothers introduce a specific animal, followed by an animated segment where they use biomechanical suits to mimic that animal's unique traits. These suits, designed by the character Aviva Corcovado, allow the brothers to study species in the wild while navigating challenges posed by human influence or various antagonists.
The show’s villains serve as allegories for real-world environmental issues. Characters like Gaston Gourmand, a chef who cooks endangered species, or Paisley Planter, a CEO who replaces natural habitats with factories, represent specific threats to biodiversity. By framing these conflicts as adventures, the series aims to teach children about ecology and the importance of species often misunderstood, such as bats or crocodiles. The team is rounded out by Koki, a computer expert, and Jimmy Z, the pilot of their flying headquarters, the Tortuga.
Production of the series has spanned over 174 episodes across seven seasons. Despite its success, the show has faced production hurdles, including a nine-month hiatus following an October 2020 episode due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The series has also evolved in its casting; for instance, the role of Koki was recast in season six to ensure more authentic representation. Currently, the Kratt brothers are expanding their reach with a feature film and an autobiography in development, marking a new chapter for the franchise.
The series is notable for its educational reach, airing globally from North America to Australia and parts of Africa. While PBS Kids is its primary home in the United States, the show's distribution is managed by 9 Story Media Group and the Kratt Brothers Company. By combining methodical zoological study with imaginative storytelling, the brothers have created a platform that remains a staple of children's educational television.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Wild Kratts
- Also: Wikidata — Wild Kratts · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Wild Kratts, season 1 · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-wild-kratts.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Animated series & cartoons · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
